7 Sacred Trees of Hindus

Hinduism gives special importance to some trees, which as such are considered very sacred in their daily life.I have compiled a list of seven such trees which are either worshiped or use in religious ceremonies,for centuries.

Peepal

It is considered the king of the trees in Hinduism.It is called Ashvattha in sanskrit.
According to the Brahma Purana and the Padma Purana, when the demons defeated the gods, Lord Vishnu hid himself in the Peepal Tree and that is why it is believed that the Peepal Tree is a symbol of Vishnu and is worshiped.Women worship the tree to bless them with a son by tying red thread or red cloth around its trunk Cutting down a peepal tree is considered a sin that is equivalent to killing a Brahmin.According to Puranas, if one does not have a son, the peepal should be regarded as one. As long as the tree lives, the family name will continue. 
Researches have proved that Peepal is the only tree that generates abundance of Oxygen in day as well as night.Its leaves,barks and fruits are storehouse of medical properties and are used to cure more than 50 ailment in aryuveda.

Tulsi

It is the most sacred plant known to common man.It is most auspicious to grow a Tulsi plant in house.I drives away negative energy welcoming positive force.No pujas or religious ceremony can be completed without tulsi leaves.In Mahabharata Draupadi satisfied the hunger of sage Durvasha by offering him tulsi leaf.Tulsi leaf are given to persons on death bed.It purifies us by simply touching.

There is a complete festival in which Tulsi is married to Lord Vishnu which also proclaims the start of the marriage season. 

Sandalwood 

is highly regarded in the Vedic texts, and the heartwood is considered to be sacred.It is also required in worship rituals.The wood of the Sandalwood tree is turned into a paste and then used to decorate the idols and mark foreheads of the devotees. 

Ashoka Tree

The Ashoka tree is a small evergreen tree that has pointed leaves, beautiful and fragrant red and yellow flowers. The tree used to be a centre piece in every palatial garden in India. The Hindus regard it as sacred, being dedicated to Kama Deva. The tree is a symbol of love. In  lot of temples have the symbol of the Yakshi, a female deity standing with her foot on the trunk and her hand holding the branch of an Ashoka tree. 

Banyan

Banyan tree is the considerd most significant plant in Hindu religion. There is usually a temple or shrine below every banyan tree. The tree is worshipped on its own . The Banyan Tree also symbolizes the Trimurti-Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. The tree also symbolizes life and fertility in many Hindu cultures. That is the reason, banyan tree is worshiped by those who are childless and this tree should never be cut.

The Kusha Grass and Durva Grass 

These grass are also considered very sacred. The kusha has the quality of warding oil evils.In all rituals, kusha is a must in sonic form or other. Durva is supposed to be very auspicious and is offered to Ganesha. 

Parijaat Tree

The Parijaat tree is one specific tree in Kintoor in Uttar Pradesh is believed to be 1000 to 5000 years old. It is related to Mahabharata as it is said to have been brought from heaven by Krishna. In one instance Krishna gave some parijat followers to Rukmini.Satyabhama also wanted the same.So Krishna went to Indraloka and brought the Parijat tree. This tree is also considered to be a Kalpavriksha or wish fulfilling tree and many people visit it every year.